Catfish Row

“Summertime, and the livin is easy…” are lyrics from the song “Summertime” in the classic American folk opera “Porgy and Bess.”  Although Central Cambria is not the fictitious  “Catfish Row” from that show, it is anything but ‘easy’ around here during the summer months.  All summer employees, including administrators, secretaries, guidance counselors, and maintenance personnel, are extremely busy as the days zip by.  Greg Shaffer and his staff work very hard in the heat of the summer, both inside and out, to get buildings and grounds in top shape for the beginning of the school year.  Administrators are hustling to prepare schedules, staff development activities, and bus routes/stops; they are restocking supplies, tending to curriculum updates and distributing updated records across grade levels and schools, and between districts. Then, based on population shifts, they order materials for the coming school year.   

As I write this month’s blog, there is less than a month before the school year begins and, for better or for worse, the days themselves are limited as, with the passing of the summer solstice, the amount of daylight has been getting shorter by a minute every day. And for our student athletes, band and color guard members, and all our wonderful, dedicated coaches, practice for the new school year has further shortened the summer that remains. Regardless of the summer heat and rainy weather, these amazing kids will begin their formal practices in August.  Despite the heat and thunderstorms that accompany summer, these dedicated groups will be ready to play their role in the school’s fall sports and activities.

My vacation is set to start July 26.  Our family (8 adults and 5 grandkids) has rented a large house in Deep Creek, Maryland.   If you know me, you are probably aware that I am not a “beach person” so the kids have kindly sought a different venue.  This alternative to the beach is right up my alley with opportunities for fishing, riding, bikes, and hanging out with my family. I can’t wait.  My wife and I always love getting our family together; the fun we have seems to increase exponentially with the arrival of more grandkids.

Of course, planning meals for such a large contingent of eaters presents concerns.  As is common for many who take similar trips, each family is responsible for one night of dinner. While taking into account the ages and palate of each person is not an easy task, this arrangement usually works out well for all of us.  With five kids under five years of age, I expect to see some universal favorites like hot dogs and corn on the cob – all more than acceptable to me.

On a personal note, my wife has retired from her job as an ESL specialist in the Altoona Area School District.  What a loss to the District, I think….  She has already begun scheduling visits to grandkids in the coming weeks and months.  I could not be happier for her.

On the subject of sports, I am again excited for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  They are only a couple games out of first place in their division as they continue their winning ways.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to take in a MLB game at PNC Park, you have no idea what a nice venue it is.  Added to the baseball news, I must mention that NFL training camps are set to start this week and another football season will be here before you know it – finally!  I have my Steeler flag ready to fly, but as my wife states “not until you smell fall in the air.” (She didn’t buy my assertion in March that I could detect autumn in the air).  I can wait, but she may soon see the black and gold banner flying when she gets back from one of her grandkid visits. 

Enjoy your families and what is left of July… go Bucs!

Dr. D.